December 16, 2024

JAMAICA - Ya Man!

We only had one day in Jamaica and Port Royal is on the south side of island, in the middle of coastline. Kingston, the capital city, was close by and also happens to be where the home and museum of Bob Marley is located. Scott, Bob, Sarah and I want to check out the legends story and the tour did not disappoint. We had an excellent guide that sang and got us all singing too! He was really gifted in pulling us into the world of Bob, the times, Reggae Music and Rastafarian religion and culture. The museum is in one of the four homes Bob Marley actual lived with his wife Rita and 3 children, while in Jamaica and was the home he and his wife and manager were shot in. Bob was shot in elbow, his wife, in the head - both recovered. But his manager was hit in spine and paralyzed for rest of his life. 

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After the tour, we went down the road a bit to Devon House Mansion, which is the architectural dream of Jamaica's first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Steibel was among 3 wealthy Jamaicans who constructed elaborate homes during the late 19th century. There used to be 3 homes like this called Millionaire Corner, but other 2 were torn down and redeveloped. Stiebel made his money in mines of South America. In 1990, Jamaica made a national monument. Today, it is viewed as a monument and Gastronomy Center. The World's 4th best ice cream is on site as ranked by National Geographic's Food Journeys of a Lifetime. I tasted the "grapenuts" flavor, it was good - the best / only time I have had that flavor?!? Our driver Dain said the Curry lamb patty sandwich was his favorite! We did a quick stroll around and then headed back to ship. Along the way, we saw office building owned by countries Olympic legend Usan Bolt - note gold athlete on top of building. There are tons of motorcycles on roads, with multiple passengers, sometimes a whole family and their dog! Hence the sign! Back at the Ship we had a late lunch and then went out again to see small town of Port Royal. The main attraction is Fort Charles and we also saw the local fisherman bringing in their daily catch. We had hoped for a beach but prospects were limited in the port area. Several others had taken water taxi to Lime Cay Island. We were out of time.

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Off the Coast of PATTAYA, THAILAND

By Pat Patrick • October 20, 2026
Off the coast of Pattaya, Thailand a talented and dedicated group of residents, the Odyssey Troubadours , performed A Night of Broadway for the enjoyment of all the other residents and senior staff on board. The group of 20 performed, 15 Broadway songs that had some special Odyssey edits, personalizing them to our journey. We loved it ! Such a clever, talented and fun loving group. I was upfront and focused on getting candid pictures of the talented cast.

NONG NOOCH TROPICAL GARDENS, Pattaya, Thailand

By Pat Patrick • October 20, 2026
We were up for breakfast at 7 and then hired a private small tram to take us around the gardens, for an overview, because it came with a guide. Problem was, guide barely spoke English, so we had a hard time figuring out the history of this crazy place. Even with translate app his answers were questionable. Did it start as gardens? What's with all the statues? Is there a master plan? It seems to be growing with no real connections, that we could make out. Web & Chat GPT seem vague on details too! We had fun with it, finding more and more absurd things, until the heat won out!

PATTAYA , THAILAND ADVENTURE

By Pat Patrick • October 20, 2026
I went on a 24 hour adventure with these fun shipmates into Pattaya, Thailand to explore Nong Nooch Wonder World. Noted on the web as one of the top 10 Botanical Gardens in the World, it is certainly the largest in S. Asia at over 500 to 600 acres. Since the place is so massive; open from 8am to 6pm; the heat is so oppressive and we are at a tender port, we decided to spend the night, so we could be there at the opening, the next day and make a fun night before too!